Minnetonka

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Image of Whited Fen, a wetland in Minnetonka
Whited Fen, Minnetonka

The Whited Fen Restoration Project will protect and improve the nine-acre wetland along Whited Avenue in Minnetonka, through removal of invasive plants and re-establishment of native habitat.

Whited Fen is classified as a rich fen floating mat, a rare wetland type in the watershed. The wetland has unique native plants, including uncommon species like cranberry and cotton grass. Invasive plants are encroaching on these unique species. Without intervention, long term negative impacts will deteriorate the fen.

Project Goals

  1. Improve wetland health- remove invasive species like buckthorn and cattails
  2. Protect wetland quality- where possible, establish upland buffers to minimize erosion, pollutants/nutrient loading, and invasive species establishment
  3. Preserve wetland long term- Work with the City of Minnetonka and landowners to promote wetland education and community involvement to maintain and preserve the wetland
Image of native flowers on the shore of a pond
What is a buffer? A buffer is a vegetated area of land next to a water body that helps stop polluted runoff from entering the water body.

Project Details

Map of Whited Fen invasive species
Map of Whited Fen invasive species

In 2022, the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District (NMCWD) completed a study that looked at all wetlands within the watershed and highlighted which wetlands are priority to be restored. The study identified four wetlands for further analysis, and ultimately the Whited Fen was prioritized for improvements first.

NMCWD believes Whited Fen can be protected with an adaptive management plan. This plan would include removal of invasive plants, establishing a wetland buffer with native plants, educating landowners on the importance of the wetland function, and creating a public amenity through a wetland viewing platform and signage on city property.

Project Benefits

  • Nine-acres of high-quality wetland habitat restored
  • Up to two-acres of new wetland buffer
  •  Improved views and accessibility to the wetland from city property

Community Engagement

  • March 6, 2023: A community meeting was held at the Glen Lake Activity Center to discuss the restoration project. Topics included the importance of the wetland and the public’s role. Download the Presentation (PDF)
  • June 8, 2023: A walk was organized for adjacent landowners to discuss restoration strategies and tour a nearby habitat restoration site.
  • April 25, 2024: Another community meeting was held. Download the Presentation (PDF)
  • June 13, 2024: Buckthorn Bust! Interns and volunteers worked hard to remove invasive buckthorn

    Interns removing buckthorn

Project Schedule

  • Early 2023: Landowner engagement
  • September 2023: NMCWD Board of Managers ordered the project
  • Tentative Summer/Fall 2025: Collaborate with consultant, RES, to complete the restoration plan.
  • Start Date: Construction will begin once design, permitting, and access agreements with landowners are completed.

Resources

Questions?

For more information, contact:

Brett Eidem
Project and Planning Manager
Email: beidem@ninemilecreek.org
Phone: 952-356-1999